Riu Palace Bavaro
Location: Punta Cana, Dominican Republic | Est. Cost: ~$2,000/person
Official Website | TripAdvisor ⭐ 3.0/5 | Booking.com 8.6/10
Why #4?
Part of the RIU Punta Cana complex on famous Arena Gorda Beach. Offers premium "Palace" service with access to the shared Splash Water World water park.
Resort Details
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Rooms | 670 rooms |
| Restaurants | 5 (buffet + specialty) |
| Bars | Multiple bars |
| Pools | Multiple outdoor pools |
| Beach | Arena Gorda Beach |
| Airport | ~25 min from Punta Cana (PUJ) |
Kid & Teen Features
- Splash Water World - Shared water park with slides and splash zones
- RIULand Kids Club - Ages 4-12
- Children's pool
- Daily activities and entertainment
- Access to RIU complex amenities
Cost Estimate
| Category | Amount |
|---|---|
| Resort (9 people, 7 nights) | ~$13,050 |
| Flights from STL | ~$4,950 |
| Total | ~$18,000 |
| Per Person | ~$2,000 |
Check packages.riu.com for free flight promotions!
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Famous Arena Gorda Beach
- Splash Water World access
- Premium "Palace" level service
- Part of large RIU complex (more dining/activities)
- Close to airport (~25 min)
- Nonstop flights available from many US cities
⚠️ Cons
- Lower TripAdvisor rating (3.0)
- Seaweed season May-October
- Large complex can feel crowded
RIU Punta Cana Complex
Riu Palace Bavaro is part of a 5-resort complex sharing:
- Arena Gorda Beach
- Splash Water World water park
- Multiple restaurant options
- Entertainment venues
Best For
- Families wanting beach + water park combo
- Those who like mega-resort complexes
- Easy flight connections